Wildlife painter captures this fearsome chap in oils on canvas

For an artist in the Lake District, there are very few views that have never been committed to canvas. But the constantly changing light and seasons mean there is always something new to stimulate and challenge.

Wildlife artist Marianne Birkby is inspired by the creatures that call Cumbria home. From dragonflies over Foulshaw Moss, ducklings swimming in the reeds at Leighton Moss or a particular favourite – badgers.

‘I was very young when I saw my first badger wandering along the quiet road under the famous Rusland Beeches. I thought he moved along just like Dougal from the Magic Roundabout,’ laughs Marianne.

The subject of this painting doesn’t move much - he’s a stone lion in oils, offering an usual view of Rydal Hall just seen in the background. ‘The gardens are a great source of inspiration to me and I painted this from life in the formal garden and then finished it in the Art Yurt,’ explained Marianne. It is now on display in the hall.

Marianne’s work, which range from £90 for a charcoal drawing to £3,000 for a large painting, can be seen on interpretation panels for the National Trust at Tarn Hows, Green Energy at Rydal Hall and in children’s books including Dodo Who? which was specially commissioned by Kendal Museum.

She has held many solo exhibitions and will be holding workshops at the Rydal Hall Yurt Gallery - for details see mariannewildart.moonfruit.com -and also taking part in the Silverdale & Arnside Art Trail from June 28-30. To visit her Milnthorpe studio call 015395 63671.